Jim, You wrote, We were limited by a solid brick garden wall that had to be incorporated in the overall scheme. Therefore my minimum radius is 10 1/2 feet. My wife's mandate was that the track system not be an eyesore. She wanted us to be a credit to the community! So, after a year and a half of planning, and 25 years as a small scale live steamer, I have my third outdoor railroad and my wife is "a happy camper" with the results.
I have posted photographs of construction and opening day operations on my web site. Check out .... http://www.southernsteamtrains.com/reference.htm Your track is fabulous, so well built too, really wonderful and all one needs for individual fun! I have a limited space too so mine is about your size and shape with dual tracks-- about 11' radii. However, it is constructed mostly out of redwood and cedar that came with the house 16 yrs ago . So it looks pretty rustic but it has been up for 13 yrs now with hardly any upkeep required. I did install in an inside track that goes down to ground level at a 3% grade and then crosses the "chasing gravel track" where it turns in to narrow gauge with sharp radii, a pond, hill, bridges, tunnel and structures etc. The center portion detracts from the rustic appearance of the raised track and it allows the ng members of our club to steam their Shays or what have you with some realism.. It also appeases my bride a little from the "eyesore" of the rustic!! Only one loco fell in the pond and Mike Martin will be happy to know that it was a sparkie (battery powered!) The owner didn't throw a switch so it was his own fault!! Well, there is also the 3-1/2" track around the house--I should lay some 45mm down the middle of that--aw,--forgit it! I'm too old for that chasing! Steamed the 3/4" Britannia yesterday (apologies to Dave!) Hauling four kids and an adult with ease--but WOW--that stack noise blew our minds! The Welsh coal from Hollywood really burns well with a minimum of smoke. About $1 a pound. Geoff Geoff.
